KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has begun implementing screening measures at airports as part of a proactive and preemptive effort to mitigate the risk of Nipah virus transmission into the country.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the move was taken despite the World Health Organisation (WHO) not recommending airport screening as the risk of transmission from India is low.
He said the approach was aimed at ensuring the country’s level of preparedness remained optimal and to minimise the possibility of undetected cases entering Malaysia.
“The screening measures are focused on individuals arriving from India and Bangladesh as part of early preventive efforts,” he told reporters after opening the World Cancer Day 2026 event here today.
Also present was Health Department deputy director-general (public health) Dr Ismuni Bohari.
Dzulkefly said Malaysia’s decision followed reports of enhanced airport screening for Nipah virus in several Asian countries this week, after two cases were detected in India.
He said such measures were largely intended to provide reassurance and confidence to the public.
Nipah is an infection that spreads mainly through products contaminated by infected bats, such as fruit.
It can be fatal in up to 75pct of cases, but it does not spread easily between people.
Several experts have been quoted as saying that a science-based approach would be more effective in containing the spread of the virus.
Dzulkefly said the Health Ministry’s approach in preventing Nipah virus transmission must strike a balance to avoid unnecessary alarm while also ensuring the response is not overly lenient or minimal.
He gave his assurances that public hospitals are prepared to detect and contain potential Nipah virus cases and the government had put in place a stringent, multi-layered strategy.
He said the measures include continuous surveillance, early detection, contact management in the event of a case, strict adherence to all standard operating procedures, facility preparedness, and effective risk communication.
“We are confident that the preparations and readiness measures in place are sufficient. Should anything unexpected occur, we will immediately implement the necessary control measures.
“At present, the ministry is in ‘high alert’ mode, and if the situation warrants it, we will act accordingly. That is the most important thing,” he added.
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